The 17-piece will release their debut, "Syntymä", in spring 2016 – a collection of pieces that have they have polished to perfection over a period of two years. The crowd-funding campaign will be launched on 22 January on mesenaatti.me. In addition to the regular crew of Sointi Jazz Orchestra, the upcoming album features, among others, vocalist Stina Koistinen of Color Dolor.
Founded in autumn 2013, Sointi Jazz Orchestra has quickly become irreplaceable in the Helsinki metropolitan area jazz scene. “The group was started to reform the Finnish big band scene, to offer something new”, says Rasmus Soini, the leader of the orchestra. A versatile instrumentation and clever arrangements that allow each player a share of the limelight set the group apart from any classic big band. “Indeed, I prefer to think of Sointi as a 17-piece small group rather than a big band.”
The orchestra has performed original music now for two years. “After our gigs we always have people asking if our music could be purchased anywhere. This sort of demand and positive feedback made us decide to record an album,” Soini says. All pieces are composed and arranged by conductor Soini. By combining classical influences, Afro-American tradition and elements of Finnish folk music he has created a recognisable cinematic sound – a trademark of Sointi Jazz Orchestra.
To seek financial support to cover the expenses related to publishing, mixing, mastering and recording the album, Sointi Jazz Orchestra has initiated a crowd-funding campaign. The campaign opens on 22 January and through it, the group aims at raising 7000 €. The minimum for the venture to be carried out has been set at 1000 €. As compensation, investors are offered either the CD, the scores of the music or the limited LP. It is also possible to get one’s name mentioned in the album sleeve text.
On the same day, the orchestra can be heard live at Malmitalo in a collaboration show with Ylioppilasteatteri. Premiered in spring 2015, Juhlat (Fete) is a unique concept, combining drama and musical performance in a new way. The audience is invited to witness the 60th anniversary of a diligent entrepreneur, which turns from a party into a family quarrel when the younger generation questions their father’s relentless business values. But without money there would be no concert. What is the purpose of art in today’s world? To entertain at a business man’s birthday? “The crowd-funding campaign makes themes of this sort doubly interesting – and personal,” laughs Soini.
Sointi Jazz Orchestra crowdfunding campaign 22 Jan - 6 Mar 2016
The campaign on mesenaatti.me: http://www.mesenaatti.me/sointi
The campaign on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/647968898674917/
Sointi Jazz Orchestra Live:
Sointi Jazz Orchestra and Ylioppilasteatteri – Juhlat (In Finnish only)
Fri 22 Jan at 19
Sat 23 Jan at 17
Malmitalo, Ala-Malmin tori 1, 00700 Helsinki
Tickets 15/8€
Musicians appearing on the debut album:
Petteri Hietamäki (alto- and soprano saxophone, flute)
Pekka Seppänen (alto saxophone, clarinet)
Frans Thomsson (tenor- and soprano saxophone, flute)
Janne Saarinen (tenor saxophone, oboe)
Max Zenger (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet)
Teemu Mattsson (trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet)
Tomi Nikku (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Jose Mäenpää (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Jasmin Afaneh (trumpet, flugelhorn, flute)
Ilkka Hongisto (French horn)
Mikko Haanpää (trombone, bass trombone)
Panu Luukkonen (trombone)
Matti Vuolahti (trombone)
Kenneth Ojutkangas (tuba, bass trombone)
Aleksis Liukko (piano)
Kaisa Mäensivu (double bass)
Siiri Partanen (drums, percussion)
Stina Koistinen (vocals)
Rasmus Soini (compositions/arrangements)